Names have been changed in the story to protect the privacy of those involved.

Image: With NGN’s help, Balaji and Archana headed home with Manish a month ago.

NGN’s Nancy Wong had a chance to speak with Manish with the help of reintegration manager Gyala Lama to learn about this heartwarming story.

Nancy: Manish, please share your story with us.

Manish: The economic conditions in my village were not good, so I moved our family to the Kathmandu Valley. But the children’s mother ended up in jail, and I was working as a servant so I was not able to properly care for the children. I sent Archana and Balaji to an orphanage because I thought they would be better off there than with me. Little did I know, Geeta (the woman running the orphanage) would make a business out of it.

N: Many other people also mistakenly think that life is better in a children’s home even though it is the opposite of the truth. When did you find out there was something wrong with Geeta’s orphanage?

M: I guess I was ignorant about the conditions before the rescue. I used to go to the orphanage to pick up my kids for their long holidays but I was never allowed in the rooms of the house. I only realized how horrible things really were after Archana and Balaji was rescued and NGN found me.

N: Did you miss your children when they were away from home?

M: Of course I missed them! I felt very sad. But beyond missing them, I convinced myself that it was for the better. I used to hear all these stories about children growing up in orphanages – well fed and properly educated. I really had no choice but to send them away because we were struggling financially. I had to work, and their mother was not around to take care of them. I just had no choice.

N: That is very difficult. Are you happy to have Archana and Balaji back?

M: Absolutely (said with the largest, brightest smile, looking lovingly at Archana and Balaji who were marching a toy sheep and a toy lion across the bed)! I am very happy to have them back. I will educate them and care for them with any means possible.

N: How wonderful! How has your life changed after the reunification?

M: I used to always worry about them, not knowing exactly what is happening with them. Now I am happy that they are safe and secure with me. I also separated from my wife because she is not a good influence on the children and doesn’t properly care for them. It is difficult working so hard every day, taking care of them, and sending them to school, but I am doing it from my heart. It is not a burden at all. Also, I used to drink a lot, but for my kids I gave up drinking two months ago, and haven’t touched a drop of alcohol since. I want to be a good father. I will work hard for my children, to give them a happy life.

N: That is amazing. Do you have any special plans for the upcoming Dasain festival now that the family is back together again?

M: I will try but I have no special plans because money is tight for us. I don’t want to make promises that I may not be able to deliver and disappoint the kids. The most important thing is to do what I can to make them happy.

N: You have each other, and that really matters so much. Do you have any special messages for other parents about child trafficking?

M: Please do not send your children to orphanages. More than half of them use your children to make a profit, just like a business. It is like throwing a stone into the darkness with no target, not knowing what will happen to the kids. Children are the most happy with their parents. I also want to thank NGN for saving my children. I am so happy to have my whole family back together again.

Image: Manish, the proud and motivated father, with his children. Archana (left) and Balaji (right) are also very happy to be home.

We Need Your Help

As of 2017, there are still 15,000 children living in abusive orphanages. 80% of these children are not orphans; they have families. Help us reunite them.